Instructions for total station set-up
(feedback appreciated)

Leveling: First deploy the tripod and make sure it is at an OK height for all group members. Attach the total station to the tripod and level the tripod legs using the two bubbles on the total station (until the bubbles are approximately within the circle, does not have to be perfect). Then use the leveling knobs on the total station itself for a more precise level.
  • hit red power button on total station, and/or if needed “exit” to end old job
  • double tap surveypro
  • If you get bubble, says “out of tilt”
    • o use knobs on total station to align the bubble
    • o once aligned hit the checked circle in the top right corner
    • o (this window may reappear later while you are using the total station, if so, first wait a bit to see if the bubble returns to level, if not, use the knobs again to re-level)
  • get “quick shot” window, check that:
    • o measure rod to check that HR (height of rod) is 1.47 m,
    • o is set to use prism (symbol of white circle inside 4-pointed star inside yellow box)
    • o is set to “normal”
  • tap the 2nd from right file symbol in top menu bar, check that:
    • o from top: units for distances=meters; units for angles=degrees; display directions as azimuth; azimuth type=North azimuth; coord. order=N,E,elev
    • o choose the green check-mark in top menu bar
  • get “quick shot” window, tap big file folder symbol
  • choose create a new job
    • o use the default date name or pick another
    • o write down name on data documentation form
    • o click outside the box and choose next
  • get “New Job” window, check that:
    • o from top to bottom: North azimuth, m, degrees, check box to “Adjust for…”, do not check box for scale factor, choose next
  • **get “New Job” window, Enter First Point ( will be location of tripod, reference location)
    • o as Point Name use “base”
    • o type in handheld GPS Northing and Easting, but use 1000 m for elevation (poorly determined using hand-held GPS and only relative values are important)
    • o write down this tripod location in data documentation form
    • o start
    • o finish
  • will get quick shot menu again, might get “backsight is not set” message, tap the checked circle
  • will get to main menu
  • choose survey, backsight set up
  • get backsight set up menu: should show base HR (BS direction might be set at 0, depending on whether first job or not), fixed backsight HR 0
  • HI should be set to height of tripod in m (measure from cross on side of total station to ground)
  • will get Backsight Circle, 0.00
  • align the total station with geographic North by sending out a person with the rod and prism to geographic North (use Brunton), find the prism with the total station (use two separate dials to focus the view-finder)
  • goes back to backsight set up; choose “solve” and “send circle” while total station is aligned with North
  • hit checkmark, will get error, choose “yes”
  • will get a map, hit checked circle
  • under the main menu, now choose traverse/side shot for every location that you want to measure
  • get foresight 1, etc.
  • write down each location in the table, and keep checking the map to make sure the locations make sense, also be sure that you are numbering the locations correctly


Total station with 2011 SurveyPro v 4.11**
  • get “New Job” window, Enter First Point ( will be location of tripod, reference location)
    • o as Point Name use “base”
    • o type in handheld GPS Northing and Easting, but use 1000 m for elevation (poorly determined using hand-held GPS and only relative values are important)
    • o write down this tripod location in data documentation form
    • o finish
  • will get quick shot menu again, might get “backsight is not set” message, tap the checked circle
  • will get to main menu
  • choose survey, station set up
  • get backsight set up menu: should show base HR (BS direction might be set at 0, depending on whether first job or not), fixed backsight HR 0
  • HI should be set to height of tripod in m (measure from cross on side of total station to ground). Hit next
  • Set BS Azimuth to 0.00
  • Set Backsight Circle to 0.00 and select send circle
  • Mave sure Roving target is selected
  • align the total station with geographic North by sending out a person with the rod and prism to geographic North (use Brunton), find the prism with the total station (use two separate dials to focus the view-finder); select Measure Backsight
  • Newpoint window, rename point if needed. Select green checked circle
  • goes back to backsight set up; backsight should be set now, press finish
  • Should be back at main menu now, choose survey, traverse/side shot for every location that you want to measure
  • get foresight 1, etc.
  • write down each location in the table, and keep checking the map to make sure the locations make sense, also be sure that you are numbering the locations correctly